The Big Ribbon Reimagined

The near-field N22 is a modern ribbon mic that challenges expectations of traditional ribbon technology and can reframe the way you record with ribbons.

It delivers clarity and balance in frequency response, even when positioned just inches from the source, and can stand alone in a mix without the need for the blending additional mic signals due to its extended top-end.

A New Approach

The N22 can be positioned inches away from an instrument and retain a balanced sound with extended top end while avoiding the room tone that can cause problems in smaller spaces or iso booths. This is what makes the N22 special.

The N22 naturally reduces proximity effect while also avoiding the room tone that can cause problems in smaller spaces or iso booths. Naturally rolling off the low-end before it hits the ribbon creates a much different sound than using electronic equalization to roll off the low-end in post.

Hear the N22

Audio Examples & Techniques

“My N22 has turned out to be an incredible bass amp mic…to such an extent that I won’t record bass without it.”

- Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Air, Nine Inch Nails)

Designed for Up-Close Use

The N22 was designed to be positioned between 1 and 16 inches from the sound source. It retains a balanced frequency response across the spectrum with limited proximity effect. In a traditional ribbon mic, the proximity effect can be so strong that it obscures the mid-range, which can be extremely difficult to correct.

Unlike traditional ribbon mics, think of the N22s placement in terms of inches instead of feet. Of course, near-field mics can be positioned at a distance, but they have a more balanced sound close to the sound source.

The N22 not only handles the SPL levels of a high-gain amplifier and kick drum with ease, but it also translates all the gritty details of an instrument that musicians seek.

The N22 In Action

Made for vocals and guitar

Watch the N22 in action on Mitski’s vocals and electric guitar in this AEA Session.

An Active Ribbon for a Modern Age

With active electronics and a custom transformer, the N22 provides 12db of extra output and more preamp flexibility than traditional passive ribbon mics.

The N22 uses the same custom transformer utilized in the AEA A440 and R84A microphones, enabling an additional 12db of output and a stable impedance. Though it still sounds great with any AEA ribbon-optimized preamp, it is not dependent on a high impedance, high gain preamp for proper use.

The extra output is a major advantage when recording quiet sources like vocals and soft acoustic guitars. The active circuitry also prevents noise, interference on long cable runs and when near operating near large lighting rigs.

A Rugged, Roadworthy Companion

With increased durability and a small profile, it’s no wonder that a wide range of performers use AEA’s NUVO series microphones on the road. The mics are totally rugged and hold up to daily wear and tear.

From outdoor gigs at music festivals to indoor theaters, NUVO mics are the perfect companion to bring the sound of studio recordings to the live stage. With the NUVO Windscreen, never worry about the ribbon – even at windy gigs.

Sound on Sound

“Overall AEA have seemingly achieved exactly what they intended to, by producing a ribbon mic with a brighter, more modern sound than their classic models ... while the ribbon-meets-capacitor tonal character means the mic can be used in rather more areas than a conventional ribbon microphone can. ”

Electronic Musician

“The N22 brought out a smooth, organic tone from every instrument I used it on—electric guitar amp, acoustic guitar, vocals, mandolin, marimba, and drums. With the protective screen built in, I didn’t have to worry about cheating it up to a vocalist or a loud amp.”

The NUVO Stereo Kit

AEA’s NUVO Stereo Kit enables users to rapidly set up and accurately record in stereo on a single mic stand. It consists of either two matched N22s or N8s, and comes with all of the accessories necessary to easily configure the figure-eight microphones in Blumlein and near-coincident.

The NUVO Series

Discreet in shape and size, AEA’s NUVO series microphones are lightweight, portable and easy to position. They feature active electronics and custom transformers that provide extra output and more preamp flexibility than traditional passive ribbon mics. Both the N22 and N8 NUVO mics are the same size and offer the same ribbon sound and high-quality components as our other mics. They are all handmade in the United States.

For a more balanced sound at a distance to capture the natural tonality of your space, the AEA N8 far-field ribbon mic is a nice complement.